
Knowledge and Politics in Plato's Theaetetus
Paul Stern(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 4. October 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
326 pages
978-1-107-40792-3 (ISBN)
Description
The Theaetetus is one of the most widely studied of any of the Platonic dialogues because its dominant theme concerns the significant philosophical question, what is knowledge? In this book Paul Stern provides a full-length treatment of its political character in relationship to this dominant theme. He argues that this approach sheds significant light on the distinctiveness of the Socratic way of life, with respect to both its initial justification and its ultimate character. More specifically, he argues that Socrates' revolutionary decision to subject political life to philosophic reflection, the decision that leads directly to his trial and execution, is based on his awareness of the elusiveness of comprehensive knowledge and the implications of that elusiveness for the validity of philosophic inquiry. This view of Socrates' rationale has important consequences for our understanding of political philosophy and of the validity of the life of reason itself.
Reviews / Votes
Review of the hardback: 'In all, the book offers a very interesting tour through the Theaetetus with many astute observations.' Bryn Mawr Classical ReviewMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
531 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-107-40792-3 (9781107407923)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Paul Stern
Knowledge and Politics in Plato's Theaetetus
E-Book
02/2009
1st Edition
Cambridge University Press
€36.99
Available for download

Paul Stern
Knowledge and Politics in Plato's Theaetetus
Book
03/2008
Cambridge University Press
€72.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Content
1. Knowledge, politics, and midwifery; 2. The prologue; 3. Socratic midwifery; 4. The delivery; 5. The assessment - part 1; 6. The digression; 7. The assessment - part II; 8. False opinion; 9. True opinion and logos; 10. The wisdom of the midwife.